Osteoporosis Tips That Could Change Your Life

Get More Vitamin D

In order to absorb the calcium in their diet, an individual's body will need vitamin D. If they have a deficiency in vitamin D, their body will not be able to absorb enough calcium, which can lead to weaker bones. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that half of all elderly women do not get enough of this vitamin through their diets.

For most individuals, vitamin D is produced by the skin and its production is dependent on exposure to sunlight. Active individuals who live in sunny regions can, therefore, get most of their vitamin D via from being exposed to the sun. Conversely, those who live in less sunny areas or who are less active may have to get more of it via their diet; these individuals are also more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency.

Take Precautions Against Falls

Falling is a major health risk for individuals over sixty-five years old, and the risk increases with each subsequent decade. Furthermore, if an individual has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the chances of them breaking a bone rise significantly. Thankfully, careful planning can guard against falling at home, where about fifty percent of falls occur.

Maintaining good lighting in the home is important. Individuals should not attempt to walk through a dark room at night. Instead, they should turn on lights as they go, and keep a flashlight with extra batteries on their bedside table. They can also secure area rugs with adhesive. Small throw rugs present an extra risk of falling and probably should be removed from the home. It's also important to unclutter stairs and hallways of loose items like shoes, toys, baskets, books, or vases. Individuals should also install handrails on stairs and be sure to use them. Additionally, they can store items used most often in low places to avoid the risk of falling due to climbing on ladders. They may also wish to wear shoes with rubber soles to prevent falling on wet, slippery surfaces.